The transition toward sustainable food packaging has intensified over the past decade, driven by regulatory pressure and environmental concerns associated with plastic waste. The increasing demand for sustainable food packaging has driven significant research into eco-friendly high-barrier materials capable of replacing conventional multilayer plastics. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of recent advances in mono-material and natural-material-based food packaging systems, focusing on their barrier performance, material design strategies, and industrial applicability. Fundamental barrier mechanisms, including diffusion, solubility, and tortuous path effects, are discussed in relation to polymer structure and morphology. The barrier properties of major material groups, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose-based materials, and nanocomposites, were compared and analyzed. Advanced technologies, including inorganic coatings (SiOx, AlOx) and bio-based coatings, are critically discussed as strategies to overcome intrinsic limitations of bio-based polymers. Furthermore, the paper examines recyclability and life cycle assessment (LCA) in the context of emerging circular economy policies. Finally, key challenges and future research directions are outlined, emphasizing scalable manufacturing, multifunctional materials, and integration into existing industrial systems.
목차
Abstract Introduction Barrier Mechanisms and Structure–Property Relationships Quantitative Barrier Performance and Trade-offs Mono-material Systems: Recyclability vs Barrier Performance Natural Materials: Nanocellulose as a High-Barrier Benchmark Nanocomposite Systems: Bridging Performance Gaps Coating Technologies: Toward Industrial High-Barrier Solutions Paper-Based and Fiber-Based Hybrid Systems Industrial Challenges and Scale-Up Limitations Sustainability and Life Cycle Assessment(LCA) Conclusions Acknowledgment References